The legendary Sir Peter Leitch. Mad Butcher founder, foodie extraordinaire, rugby league stalwart, and when ripped away from his happy place in Waiheke, he’s a huge advocate for everything east Auckland.
How did you get named The Mad Butcher?
My first butcher shop was in Rosella Road in Mangere – Rosella Butchers. A couple of years later I was having a beer with Tim Bickerstaff in the Wiri Trust Hotel. Tim had a radio programme, Sportsline, and used to work with me for all my advertising. At that stage we were talking about re-branding. A bloke walked past and said to his mate, “that’s that mad bloody butcher”. I said to Tim, that’s it – I will be the Mad Bloody Butcher – Tim suggested, that The Mad Butcher would be enough!
You’ve had a remarkable journey with the Mad Butcher chain. What’s the most unexpected or amusing encounter you’ve had with a customer over the years?
A lady marched into my shop, ripped into me, like I mean really ripped into me in front of other customers, demanding her money back for her meat. I took one look at it, and quietly told her that she had in fact bought the meat from a butcher up the road.
Beyond business, you’re known for your passion for rugby league. Can you share a memorable locker-room moment or a funny anecdote from your time supporting the sport?
To be honest, too many to recall. But I did get baled up in a pub by an ardent supporter of the Warriors, telling me it was the worst game he had ever watched that particular day. We discussed this for a few minutes, and I had to tell him that they had not in fact played that day. To be fair, he did call me a few days later to apologise.
Waiheke Island holds a special place in your heart. What’s your favourite hidden gem or activity on the island that you think more people should know about?
Well, if you follow my Facebook page you will know I have a passion for kayaking – there are so many great places to kayak. I always enjoy taking visitors around the Island, it is such a beautiful and interesting place. I have to mention the Waiheke Bowling Club, one of my favourite places to eat good solid grub.
You’ve become an icon in New Zealand. How do you balance your public persona with your private life, especially in a country where everyone seems to know you?
Not sure that everybody knows me, but I guess I have always treated people from all walks of life as I want to be treated myself. I generally just go with the flow. We all have different opinions about life, world would be a dam boring place if we didn’t, and to be fair, we all learn from each other.
Food plays a significant role in your life. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why?
Steak, egg and chips. I’m a good Kiwi bloke, and enjoy good Kiwi tucker.
Looking back, what’s the proudest moment of your career so far, either in business, community work, or sports?
Too many to mention. We could be here for hours, but the proudest day of my life was the day I married Janice, then having two beautiful daughters.
They say laughter is the best medicine. What’s the funniest or most memorable joke or prank you’ve witnessed during your time in the industry?
Well, this should make you laugh, years ago I decided there were a heck of a lot of vegetarians, so I employed a food chemist and we invented a vegetarian sausage. Honestly I thought we had nailed it – but I quickly found out that vegetarians do not like going into butcher shops – so in a word, it was a “fail”.
You’ve seen the retail landscape evolve. What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in how Kiwis shop for meat and groceries since you started out?
Standalone butcher shops struggling with the introduction of the supermarkets that have generally become a one-stop-shop for many people. Butcher shops have had to become a little smarter, offer a variety of meats that look appealing, and giving customers advice on best ways to cook whatever they buy. I still buy my meat from The Mad Butcher in Glen Innes.
Your philanthropic efforts are widely recognised. Can you share a story of how your charitable work has impacted someone’s life in a meaningful way?
I am not comfortable singling out any particular person or family, but it has always given me a huge pleasure being able to help someone who is in need of anything, no matter if it is material help or just advice.
Lastly, if you could have a dinner party with any three people, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
Sir John Key, Stacey Jones and Webby (Warriors coach Andrew Webster). Why? They are all interesting, would get on well together, and would be great company.
Any last words you would like to share Sir Peter?
I feel I have been very blessed in life, and have a wonderful family, I have made great friends both here in New Zealand, and in fact many countries. I love the advantage now of social media that I am able to keep in touch with them all.
